U.S. patent number 8,113,696 [Application Number 12/435,489] was granted by the patent office on 2012-02-14 for universal light ball and tube light system.
Invention is credited to Michael Rowell, Roman F. Striebel.
United States Patent |
8,113,696 |
Striebel , et al. |
February 14, 2012 |
Universal light ball and tube light system
Abstract
A universal light ball system has a light source with a
substantially round housing disposed within a substantially
elongated housing so that the light source may be directed by
changing the orientation of the substantially round housing
relative to the substantially elongated housing. The substantially
elongated housing may be inserted into another member such as a the
hollow top of landscape edging in order to provide unobtrusive and
aesthetically pleasing landscape lighting.
Inventors: |
Striebel; Roman F. (Duxbury,
MA), Rowell; Michael (Holbrook, MA) |
Family
ID: |
43062235 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/435,489 |
Filed: |
May 5, 2009 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20100284179 A1 |
Nov 11, 2010 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
362/372; 362/152;
362/196 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21S
2/005 (20130101); F21V 14/02 (20130101); F21V
21/30 (20130101); F21Y 2115/10 (20160801); F21W
2131/109 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F21V
19/02 (20060101); F21L 4/00 (20060101); F21S
8/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;362/152,196,202,275,372,249.06,220,217.1,249.1,429,555,470,471,479,488,490,505,523,528,529,530,531,532,543,544,545,546,548,549,219,217.02,249.02,249.03,249.14,285,287,362,418 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Crowe; David
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Burns & Levinson LLP Erlich;
Jacob N. Grolnic; Marlo S.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A lighting system, comprising: a substantially elongated housing
having a first end, a second end, an internal recess connecting the
first end and the second end, and a substantially elongated opening
between the first end and the second end, a light source having a
substantially round housing disposed in the substantially elongated
housing adjacent to the substantially elongated opening thereof,
one or more preload pads on the substantially round housing of the
light source to provide a predetermined level of friction within
the substantially elongated housing, at least one electrical wire
connected to the light source and at least partially disposed in
the internal recess of the substantially elongated housing, and
wherein adjusting the orientation of the substantially round
housing of the light source relative to the substantially elongated
opening of the substantially elongated housing changes the
direction of light emitted by the light source.
2. The lighting system of claim 1 wherein the at least one
electrical wire includes both a supply wire and a return wire.
3. The lighting system of claim 1 further comprising a second
electrical wire connected to the light source and at least
partially disposed in the internal recess of the substantially
elongated housing.
4. The lighting system of claim 1 further comprising a snap
connector on the at least one electrical wire for connecting
another electrical wire.
5. The lighting system of claim 1 wherein the light source includes
a light emitting diode.
6. The lighting system of claim 1 further comprising a second light
source directed in a different direction from the first light
source.
7. The lighting system of claim 1 further comprising a sealant
disposed in the substantially round housing of the light source to
protect components therein.
8. The lighting system of claim 1 wherein the substantially
elongated housing fits at least partially within a receiving
member.
9. The lighting system of claim 8 further comprising one or more
preload pads on the substantially elongated housing to provide a
predetermined level of friction with the receiving member.
10. The lighting system of claim 8 wherein the receiving member is
a hollow top of landscape edging.
11. The lighting system of claim 10 wherein the lighting system is
secured to a section of landscape edging.
12. The lighting system of claim 8 wherein the receiving member is
indoor molding.
13. The lighting system of claim 8 wherein the receiving member is
a drop ceiling panel.
14. The lighting system of claim 8 wherein the receiving member is
a fence.
15. The lighting system of claim 1 wherein: the substantially
elongated housing is constructed in the form of two substantially
u-shaped sections of a substantially cylindrical shape, and the
substantially round housing is constructed with two hemispheres of
a substantially spherical shape.
16. The lighting system of claim 15 further comprising: a plurality
of preload pads on the substantially round housing to provide a
predetermined level of friction with the inside of the
substantially elongated housing.
17. A method of manufacturing a lighting system, comprising the
steps of: constructing two substantially u-shaped sections of a
substantially cylindrical housing, the substantially cylindrical
housing having two ends and a substantially elongated opening
between its two ends, constructing two hemispheres of a
substantially spherical housing, the substantially spherical
housing having an opening, disposing a light source in one of the
two hemispheres and joining the two hemispheres to construct a
substantially spherical housing so that the light source directs
out of the opening therein, disposing the substantially spherical
housing in one of the u-shaped sections of the substantially
cylindrical housing and joining the two u-shaped sections into a
substantially cylindrical housing so that the light source directs
out of the substantially elongated opening therein, and adjusting
the position of the light source relative to the substantially
elongated opening of the substantially cylindrical housing to
change the direction of light emitted from the lighting system.
Description
BACKGROUND
The present teachings relate generally to low voltage electrical
lighting and, more particularly, to easily installed, directional
light systems for use with indoor and outdoor applications such as,
although not limited thereto, landscape edging.
Conventional landscape lighting exists in the form of light
emitting diode (LED) "stake lighting", LED-powered "rope lights,"
and floodlights. These conventional light systems suffer from many
problems. For instance, they can not be directed in a specific
direction to provide subtle illumination near the ground, such as
near landscape borders and walkways. Floodlights, in particular,
bathe a wide area in bright light. Stake lights and rope lights, on
the other hand, generally cannot focus light on a particular area.
These conventional lighting systems are obtrusive, can be seen
during normal daylight hours, and may also interfere with
landscaping activities such as pruning and mowing. In addition,
they often have issues with moisture or snow, causing them to
short-circuit and break.
What is needed is a superior lighting system that solves these and
other problems, and directs light near a targeted area in an
unobtrusive and attractive way.
SUMMARY
The needs set forth herein as well as further and other needs and
advantages are addressed by the present embodiments, which
illustrate solutions and advantages described below.
The system of the present embodiment includes, but is not limited
to, a light source having a substantially round housing disposed in
a substantially elongated housing so that adjusting the orientation
of the substantially round housing relative to an opening in the
substantially elongated housing directs the light source.
Other embodiments of the system are described in detail below and
are also part of the present teachings.
For a better understanding of the present embodiments, together
with other and further aspects thereof, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings and detailed description, and its scope will
be pointed out in the appended claims
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of one embodiment of the light ball
assembly;
FIG. 2a is a pictorial view of one embodiment of one semispherical
half of the light ball housing;
FIG. 2b is a pictorial of a cross section along line IIA of FIG.
2a;
FIG. 3 is an exploded pictorial view of one embodiment of the light
ball assembly;
FIG. 4a is a pictorial view of one embodiment of the light ball
assembly disposed in an elongated housing;
FIG. 4b is a pictorial of a cross-section of one embodiment of the
elongated housing and light ball assembly;
FIG. 5 is an exploded pictorial view of one embodiment of the light
ball assembly disposed in an elongated housing;
FIG. 6 is a pictorial view showing an embodiment of the universal
light ball system incorporated into landscape edging;
FIG. 7 is a pictorial view of another embodiment of the universal
light ball system disposed in landscape edging;
FIGS. 8a, 8b and 8c are pictorial views of an embodiment of the
universal tubular light system;
FIG. 9a is a pictorial view of another embodiment of the universal
light ball system disposed in a box section, such as one found in
fencing;
FIG. 9b is a pictorial view of another embodiment of the universal
light ball system disposed in a drop ceiling; and
FIG. 10 is a block diagram describing one embodiment of the method
of manufacturing the system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present teachings are described more fully hereinafter with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the present
embodiments are shown. The following description is presented for
illustrative purposes only and the invention should not be limited
to these embodiments.
As discussed above, conventional landscape lighting systems are
obtrusive and do not have the ability to direct light in a specific
direction near a target area in a subtle way. The universal light
ball system addresses these and other shortcomings, discussed
further below, by incorporating into the hollow profile of
landscape edging or indoor molding, although not limited
thereto.
Landscape edging (also referred to as "lawn edging" or "garden
edging") exists to define borders between areas such as, for
example, although not limited thereto, a lawn and a mulched garden
bed. Landscape edging can be metal, plastic, wood, brick or a
number of other materials, so long as it gives the look of a clean
edge. Many people prefer the finished look that a clean edge lends
to a landscape design. Landscape edging also provides functional
benefits such as: 1) containing lawn grasses, which spread via
stolons, so that grass does not start growing in planting beds; and
2) containing mulch in a planting bed, preventing it from spilling
out.
Landscape edging generally comes in long rectangular sections with
a "lip" formed of a partially hollow top to strengthen the portion
of the edging above ground. The bottom side is buried at the border
of two areas so that the landscape edging frames and separates the
two areas. The universal light ball system, discussed further
below, may be installed in the otherwise wasted space in the hollow
edging top to direct light in a subtle way close to the ground. The
universal light ball system may be incorporated into landscape
edging during the manufacturing process or may also retro-fit
existing landscape edging. Such a lighting system is highly
desirable to illuminate adjacent walkways for safety and visibility
at night or in poor visibility. Illumination of lawn and shrubbery
adds safety lighting at night and is aesthetically pleasing.
Conventional landscape lighting systems can not be used in this
fashion and are conspicuous, detracting from the aesthetics of the
scenery.
The universal light ball system may comprise a light source
disposed in a round light ball housing, which is then disposed in
an elongated housing. The round housing permits the light source to
be directed by changing its orientation in relation to an opening
in the elongated housing. The elongated housing may then be
partially disposed in or incorporated in some manner with another
member, such as the hollow edging top of landscape edging. In this
way, the universal light ball system maintains a low profile but
provides directional light to needed areas.
The round housing of an assembled light ball may comprise two
substantially similar halves that are preferably injection molded
plastic for lower cost, but can be made from other material, and
could be formed as identical parts. The assembled light ball may
have at least one LED light mounted directly on a printed circuit
board, but not limited thereto, that also carries at one or both of
its ends at least one electrical wire. The universal light ball
system will preferably be able to be powered from either end. The
halves may each carry a suitable recess that is shaped to
accommodate the light ball subassembly of the LED, the printed
circuit board with components, and the electrical wires. The
printed circuit board with the mounted LED may be oriented to a
desired opening in the assembled light ball that permits the light
be directed out, and may also may protect the LED from the
elements. If desired, the printed circuit board can also
accommodate further LEDs oriented in the same or different
directions, a rectifier, or a number of other electronic
components.
After placing the light ball subassembly into the round housing,
the components may be embedded in an epoxy compound or some other
sealant for water and damage resistance. The assembled light ball
may have a suitable opening through which some protective substance
can be injected, thus making the whole assembly highly resistant to
water, dirt, sunlight and damage. Especially for use with landscape
edging, one advantage, although not limited thereto, is to allow
the universal light ball system, containing the assembled light
ball, to be secured together by being glued and to not depend on
the tolerances of the landscape edging to hold it together. Such a
lighting system is a durable and maintenance free, and can easily
be replaced as an element of a landscape lighting system if it
ceases to function properly.
The use of the universal light ball system in landscape edging
utilizes an elongated housing that is designed as to fit inside
commercially available hollow top lawn edging profiles. Since not
all landscape edgings have identical sizes, the system allows a
variation of shapes and sizes of the elongated housing, as well as
variation in the size of the assembled light ball.
A suitable elongated housing may be preferably formed by plastic
injection molding, or some other suitable construction method, of
two elongated halves, which may be substantially identical to
reduce manufacturing costs. Each elongated half may contain a
suitable recess for the assembled light ball, which can be
rotatable left and right, although not limited thereto, to direct
the light source therein. Since the outside of the elongated
housing fits inside the edging profile, the light source can be
rotated both up and down inside the landscape edging and left and
right inside the elongated housing. It is therefore possible to
precisely direct the light alongside a walkway on one side, to
rotate the elongated housing and illuminate the landscape behind
the edging, or to direct the light to another object on either side
and/or above the edging.
A further feature on the outside of the round housing of the
assembled light ball is the provision of three, although not
limited thereto, "preload pads" on each half. The preload pads,
discussed further below, each form a "flexure" that allows the ball
to be inserted into the elongated housing with predetermined
friction. Each preload pad is recessed into the housing of the
assembled light ball, which prevents the flexure from bending too
far during insertion into the elongated housing.
The elongated housing may also serve to hold two adjoining
landscape edging sections together, and can provide protection for
electrical connections with further light fixtures or a power
source. In another embodiment, the elongated housing could
incorporate one or more plates or some other fixture that affixes
to the two adjoining sections of landscape edging by fasteners or
other suitable means.
The elongated housing may also incorporate preload pads on its
outer surface, thus providing flexure with a predetermined friction
between the outside of the elongated housing and the inside of the
landscape edging hollow top. The entire lighting system has very
few moving parts and is very easy to install. It may provide a
compact and pleasing appearance that blends into the respective
application, without being too obvious during the daylight hours.
Stake lights, in particular, are very noticeable, suffer from
maximum exposure to the elements, and are not suitable to direct
light into a specific direction.
The universal light ball may provide a modular "Light Ball Building
Block" which can be incorporated with other components. Each time
an additional universal light ball system is added, a connection
with electrical wires is required. In the preferred embodiment,
commercially existing "snap connectors" that do not require wire
ends to be stripped may be used for this purpose. One connector may
be placed into each side of the hollow end section of the elongated
housing, protected and invisible from the outside, and preferably a
sufficient length of electrical wire is incorporated that allows
the light ball to be easily removed and replaced later, if such
replacement is ever required.
In one embodiment, the hollow top section of commercially available
landscape edging may be used to carry the electrical wires from one
universal light ball system to the next, and to eventually connect
such wires to a power supply. Thus, the described example of a
lighting system for landscape edging may comprise a plurality of
universal light ball systems connected in series. The hollow edging
top protects these wires from damage and moisture and makes the
electrical wires invisible. The entire lighting system is
unobtrusive and nearly invisible during daylight hours when the
light is not in use.
The power supply is preferably provided with a light sensor,
however, the light sensor may be in other locations to control the
lighting system. In this way the system could be automated. The
power supply could come from solar power, batteries, the electric
grid, or any other suitable power source.
Although a specific light ball assembly is disclosed, many other
combinations and shapes are possible, manufactured by way of
injection molding or otherwise, in any number of different shapes,
some of which are disclosed in the drawings. There are also
different methods for mounting the light ball, depending on the
shape of the housing chosen, or the requirement of mounting on
either a horizontal or vertical surface. The light ball may also
accommodate a plurality of LEDs or other light sources in order to
provide more powerful light or light in multiple different
directions at once. In addition, the light source may be a strobe
light, colored light, or no light at all. Instead, a directional
motion detector or some other sensor may be used and the system may
act as a covert security system.
The elongated housing could also be designed to act on its own,
without being inserted into another member, and may be used just as
easily inside as outside. For instance, it could be incorporated
into decorative molding, or used to light a staircase or artwork in
an unobtrusive way. As an illustration of a further application,
the light ball may be installed on the surface or into a custom
extruded edging for corridors in building, to provide low level
lighting during off-peak hours, or for emergency lighting when
connected to backup power supply. It may also be installed into a
typical drop ceiling for the same purpose or as accent lighting.
Furthermore, the light ball may be installed into the hollow core
of PVC fencing to provide perimeter light, or it may be installed
into any other hollow-cored structure for interior or exterior use.
In fact, any place where light is desirable is a potential use for
the universal light ball system.
The universal light ball system comprises very few modular parts so
that it can be displayed and marketed in an efficient manner to the
consumer. It may be packaged so that it can be assembled or
installed with the most basic tools by the average homeowner,
landscaper or contractor. The universal light ball system is easy
to produce at low cost, can be adapted to different uses and
materials, allows flexibility when a user requires lights at
irregular or regular intervals, is easy to install or replace
sections, has few moving parts and is virtually maintenance free,
and is able to be run at very low cost.
Referring now to FIG. 1, shown is a pictorial view of one
embodiment of the light ball assembly 1. In this embodiment, the
light ball assembly 1 comprises an assembled light ball 2 and
electrical wires 6, which provide power thereto. The electrical
wires 6 may come out of one or more sides of the assembled light
ball 2 and each electrical wire 6 may comprise a single supply wire
or both a supply and return wire (as shown).
The assembled light ball 2 comprises two semispherical halves 3,
which may be substantially identical in shape to lower production
costs, and may be molded from plastic, but not limited thereto, or
constructed by some similar method of manufacture. A light source 4
may be contained within the assembled light ball 2, and may be
framed by a suitable reinforced light recess 5. The light source 4
may be an LED for lower operating costs, but any type of light
device may be used and there may be more than one in each assembled
light ball 2. The reinforced light recess 5 provides an opening for
the light source 4 to direct light out of the assembled light ball
2. A suitable number of preload pads 7 may be located on the outer
surface of the assembled light ball 2 to provide for friction when
it is disposed in another, enveloping housing, such as the
elongated housing, discussed below.
Referring now to FIG. 2a, shown is a pictorial view of one
embodiment of one semispherical half 3 of the light ball housing.
The preload pads 7, shown in more detail, act as a flexure inside
of the housing. Each preload pad 7 is contained within a protected
pad recess 8 of the housing to prevent flexure from bending too far
and breaking during final assembly. The exposed part of each
preload pad 7 that extends beyond the housing surface provides
friction when the assembled light ball 2 is disposed in an
enveloping housing, discussed further below. By altering the shape
and size of the exposed part of each preload pad 7, the amount of
friction between the assembled light ball 2 and an enveloping
member such as elongated housing, discussed further below, can be
adjusted. The assembled light ball 2 may be oriented in a
particular position within the elongated housing and the friction
provided by the preload pads 7 assures the orientation will remain
fixed. Flexure allows the preload pads 7 to bend within each
protected pad recess 8, but they remain protected so that they will
not bend too far and break.
Referring now to FIG. 2b, shown is a pictorial of a cross section
along line IIA of FIG. 2a. Each semispherical half 3 of the light
ball housing may have 3 preload pads 7, yielding a total of 6 on
the assembled light ball 2, although not limited thereto. In one
embodiment, the diameter of the assembled light ball 2 may be
substantially in the range of 0.7-1'', although not limited
thereto, such as, for example, 0.850'', so that it can be utilized
with landscape edging having a corresponding size. In this
embodiment, the recess into which the assembled light ball 2 is
disposed, discussed further below, may have a diameter slightly
larger than the assembled light ball 2 substantially in the range
of 0.74''-1.04'', although not limited thereto, such as, for
example, 0.890''. Each preload pad 7 may have a post that has
dimensions with ranges of 0.05-0.15'' tall, 0.01-0.05'' wide, and
0.05-0.064'' deep, although not limited thereto, such as, for
example, 0.10'' tall, 0.03'' wide, and 0.057'' deep. Each post may
rise out of the protected pad recess 8 and above the surface of the
ball in the range of 0.02-0.03'', although not limited thereto,
such as, for example, 0.025'', to engage the recess into which the
assembled light ball 2 is disposed. Each preload pad 7 may have an
angled tip such as, although not limited thereto, substantially 45
degrees, and may be rounded so that its engagement with the recess
provides friction, but still allows the orientation of assembled
light ball 2 to be adjusted. Ideally there may be some pressure on
all of the preload pads 7.
Referring now to FIG. 3, shown is an exploded pictorial view of one
embodiment of the light ball assembly 1. Two semispherical halves 3
may have at their mating surfaces 9 one or more locator pins 10
that mate with corresponding pin recesses 11, which help to align
and strengthen the assembled light ball 2 when the semispherical
halves 3 are joined. An additional subassembly recess 12 may
securely hold a printed circuit board 13 onto which at least one
light source 4 may be mounted by electrical contacts 14. Electrical
wires 6 are attached to the printed circuit board 13 and exit
through suitable wire openings 15 in order to connect the light
ball assembly 1 to further light fixtures and a power source.
The light source 4 is contained or surrounded by the reinforced
light recess 5, reinforced so as to completely hold and protect the
light source 4 from damage. The two semispherical halves 3 are
fixed together such as, but not limited to, by being glued together
after inserting the printed circuit board 13 and light source 4. An
additional suitable sealant opening 17 is provided to allow the
insertion of apparatus to fill the remaining void inside the
assembled light ball 2 with a sealant such as, but not limited to,
an epoxy-like substance to protect against moisture and damage.
Referring now to FIG. 4a, shown is a pictorial view of one
embodiment of the light ball assembly 1 disposed in an elongated
housing 18. In this embodiment, the elongated housing 18 has an
elongated light opening 19, which provides a way for the light
source 4 inside the reinforced light recess 5 to be directed in
multiple directions, such as with left or right movement 20, by
changing the orientation of the assembled light ball 2 in relation
to the elongated housing 18. Friction provided by the preload pads
7 on the assembled light ball 2 assure it stays in place once
adjusted in a particular direction. The elongated light opening 19
could be in any number of shapes that permit the light source 4 to
be directed and it is not limited to this particular embodiment.
For example, it could allow the light source 4 in the assembled
light ball 2 to move left and right, up and down, or a combination
of those directions, although not limited thereto. In addition,
another set of preload pads 7 may be provided on the elongated
housings 26 as shown in FIGS. 4a, 5 and 6 to functionally engage
the interior of receiving members or hollow tops 25,
respectively.
Referring now to FIG. 4b, shown is a pictorial of a cross-section
of one embodiment of the elongated housing 18 and light ball
assembly. The preload pads 7 of the semispherical halves 3 engage
the inside of the light ball recess 22 created by the elongated
halves 21 in order to provide friction and maintain orientation of
the light source 4. Similarly, the outside of the elongated halves
21 may also have preload pads that engage the inside of an
enveloping member such as landscape edging, discussed below.
Referring now to FIG. 5, shown is an exploded pictorial view of one
embodiment of the light ball assembly 1 disposed in an elongated
housing 18. The elongated housing 18 may be comprised of two
elongated halves 21 for manufacturing efficiencies. Each elongated
half 21 may be injection molded plastic or manufactured with some
similar method and may be substantially similar in shape. The light
ball assembly 1 is shown disposed within a suitable light ball
recess 22 that has an elongated light opening 19 through which the
light source 4 directs light. Preload pads 7 keep the otherwise
loose light ball assembly 1 located in the desired orientation by
the friction generated through the flexure of the preload pads 7
inside the elongated housing 18.
In this embodiment, each end of the elongated housing 18 has a
large tubular recess 23, thus allowing the electrical wires 6 that
exit from their respective wire openings 15 on the assembled light
ball 2 to connect to further light fixtures or a power source. The
tubular recesses 23 in the ends of elongated housing 18 protect the
electrical wires 6 and provide space for any required snap
connectors 24, which may be used to connect the electrical wires 6
to further light fixtures or a power source.
Referring now to FIG. 6, shown is a pictorial view showing an
embodiment of the universal light ball system incorporated into
landscape edging. In this embodiment the hollow edging top 25 of
commercially available landscape edging has been cut back by a
length that corresponds to the length of one of the tubular end
sections 26 of the elongated housing 18. After inserting a set of
interconnecting wires 27 from a power source or other light
fixture, a snap connector 24 may be used to connect the electrical
wires 6. The snap connector 24 can then be pushed inside the
tubular recess 23 of its respective tubular end section 26 for
protection against the elements.
In this embodiment, the outside diameters of the two tubular end
sections 26 have a slightly smaller diameter to substantially match
and be inserted within the inside diameter 28 of the hollow edging
top 25 of the landscape edging. The elongated housing 18 can fully
rotate within the hollow edging top 25. Combined with the described
left or right movement 20 inside the elongated light opening 19,
this allows the light source 4 to be directed in many desired
angles.
Once assembled, the bottom of the landscape edging containing the
universal light ball system can be buried at a desired location.
The light source 4 can then be directed in any number of positions
close to the ground in a inconspicuous way. The elongated housing
18 may optionally have attachment means for securing to the
landscape edging. This may provide for additional structure support
and strength to keep the pieces of landscape edging aligned and
secured to each other and the elongated housing 18. To accomplish
this, the elongated housing 18 may have clamping means along its
bottom that affix to each of the sections of landscape edging,
although not limited thereto.
Referring now to FIG. 7, shown is a pictorial view of another
embodiment of the universal light ball system disposed in landscape
edging. This type of landscape edging could be used next to paving
38 or a lawn, although there are many other possible uses of the
universal light ball system that may be accomplished by adapting
the elongated housing 18 to the desired application, including
insertion into hollow top edging 25.
Referring now to FIGS. 8a, 8b and 8c, shown are pictorial views of
an embodiment of the universal tubular light system. The universal
tubular light system may comprise elongated housing containing a
light source 4, without the need for a round housing disposed
therein, although not limited thereto. This may allow the light
source 4 to be directed with the rotation of the elongated housing.
A tubular light section 31 may be disposed in hollow edging top 25
(shown in FIG. 7) or could be adapted for use inside or outside.
Shown is the tubular light section 31 with indoor floor molding
with hollow top 30, although not limited to this embodiment. Floor
molding is often used in building interiors and can be adapted with
a hollow top in order to provide effective lighting. The tubular
light section 31 is preferably extruded to an outside dimension 32
that is matched to the respective inside dimension of the floor
molding with hollow top 30 in such a way as to allow insertion of
the tubular light section 31. A slot opening 29 may be machined
directly into the floor molding with hollow top 30 in order to
allow the light source 4 to be directed in predetermined up and
down movement 33.
Referring now to FIG. 8b, a separate device, such as, but not
limited to, a special button 34 may optionally be provided, capable
of engaging button holes 35 located in the tubular light section
31. The purpose of such a special button 34 is to maintain correct
alignment of the light source 4 of the tubular light section 31
inside the floor molding with hollow top 30. The special button 34
may have pins which align with the button holes 35. The special
button 34 may then snap into place, be glued, or be affixed by some
similar method, and the light source is restricted from orienting
in any angle other than up and down movement 33. This permits the
tubular light section 31 to rotate only within the range of the
slot opening 29, which may constructed in any number of sizes and
shapes.
Referring now to FIG. 8c, shown is a cut away view of the universal
tubular light system, showing the light source 4, the printed
circuit board 13 and the electrical wires 6. The button holes 35
facilitate rotation of the tubular light section 31 within an
enveloping member and assure alignment of the light source 4 out of
a slot opening 29. For protection against moisture and against
other damage, the assembly including the light source 4 and printed
circuit board 13 can be encased inside a sealant such as, but not
limited to, an epoxy-like substance to protect against moisture and
damage.
Referring now to FIG. 9a, shown is a pictorial view of another
embodiment of the universal light ball system disposed in a box
section, such as one found in fencing, which is common on perimeter
fencing and other installations. The universal light ball system
can be manufactured in any number of different surface mounted
housing 36 designs for any number of different applications.
Surface mount housing 36 allows the light system to be disposed
inside of the hollow PVC fencing 37, or some other type of fencing
or similar structure, so that it has a flush surface and provides
inconspicuous directional light.
Referring now to FIG. 9b, shown is a pictorial view of another
embodiment of the universal light ball system disposed in a drop
ceiling. This embodiment illustrates the many different types of
uses for the light ball assembly 1, depending on the desired
application. In this embodiment, the surface mount housing 36 is
mounted flat into a ceiling tile in a drop ceiling that has a flat
surface, again providing inconspicuous directional light. It is to
be understood that many shapes of a housing are possible, depending
on the mounting surface or the individual requirements of an
application and the light system is not limited to these particular
embodiments.
Referring now to FIG. 10, shown is a block diagram describing one
embodiment of the method of manufacturing the system. The following
steps may take place: constructing two substantially u-shaped
sections of a substantially cylindrical housing, the substantially
cylindrical housing having two ends and a substantially elongated
opening between its two ends 102; constructing two hemispheres of a
substantially spherical housing, the substantially spherical
housing having an opening 104; disposing a light source in one of
the two hemispheres and joining the two hemispheres to construct a
substantially spherical housing so that the light source directs
out of the opening therein 106; disposing the substantially
spherical housing in one of the u-shaped sections of the
substantially cylindrical housing and joining the two u-shaped
sections into a substantially cylindrical housing so that the light
source directs out of the substantially elongated opening therein
108; and adjusting the movement of the light source relative to the
substantially elongated opening of the substantially cylindrical
housing 110.
While the present teachings have been described above in terms of
specific embodiments, it is to be understood that they are not
limited to these disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and
other embodiments will come to mind to those skilled in the art to
which this pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered
by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is intended
that the scope of the present teachings should be determined by
proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and
their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art
relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached
drawings.
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